88 POLYNESIA!? RESEARCHES. 
several other houses, and conversed with the 
people on subjects relating to the Mission, recom¬ 
mending their attention to the advantages it was 
designed to confer. Some approved, but many 
seemed very well satisfied with their present state 
of ignorance and irreligion, and rather unwilling 
to be disturbed. 
After having united with the family in their 
evening devotions, on the 9th I took my leave, 
grateful for the hospitable entertainment and kind 
attention I had experienced, during my unexpected 
stay at their station. I regretted that the illness 
of Mr. Stewart, which had been increasing for 
several days, prevented his accompanying me on 
the projected tour. At nine o’clock I walked 
down to the beach, but waited till midnight before 
an opportunity offered for getting on board. On 
reaching the brig, I learned that they did not 
intend to sail till daylight. There were such mul¬ 
titudes of natives on board, and every place was 
so crowded, that it was impossible to pass from 
the gangway to the companion without treading 
on them ; and it was difficult any where, either 
below or upon deck, to find room sufficient to lie 
down. 
Early in the morning of the 10th, the vessel was 
under way, but the light winds, and strong west¬ 
erly current, soon rendered it necessary to anchor. 
Between eight and nine I went on shore, and, 
after breakfasting with the Mission family, returned 
to the beach, that I might be ready to embark 
whenever the wind should become favourable. 
I sat down in Keopuolani’s house, and entered 
into an interesting conversation with her, Hoapiri, 
and several other chiefs, respecting their ancient 
traditions and mythology. 
